“Earlier this week, a former friend and business colleague, made public a text message I sent him, in which I used a term which is widely known as being derogatory to my own community. I regret using it; it is inappropriate and not part of my everyday vocabulary. As an advocate of high-standards of public behaviour, and integrity in public life, I know the use of this word sends out mixed messages and contradicts my position as a Kick It Out trustee. I will continue to be active in other projects in what I believe to be a true and just cause.”

“The use of discriminatory language is unacceptable, regardless of context.”

Regardlessofcontext?Thatisridiculous.

You can blame the Macpherson report into Stephen Lawrence’s murder for this sorry state of affairs. Sir William Macpherson said racism “can be seen or detected in processes, attitudes and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice,ignorance,thoughtlessnessandraciststereotypingwhichdisadvantageminorityethnicpeople”.